Many local TV station news departments offer apps that provide local weather alerts. In Minnesota, for instance, movers can download the CBS Minnesota app, or get road condition information from the Department of Transportation.

3. Pack the necessities first

The last thing you’ll want to do after slogging through messy weather is to have to go through all those boxes to find the essential items you’ll need right away.

Before packing anything else, fill a box with the following:

Old towels and rags to wipe wet floors.

Snow/ice removal items, such as a shovel, ice scraper and a walkway de-icer

A change of clothing for all family members (including dry shoes or boots)

Snacks

Food for the pets (don’t forget the bowls)

Several large bottles of drinking water

Any medications you take daily

Bathroom items such as a shower curtain, shampoo, soap, toilet paper

Valuables

Coffee maker and everything to go with it

Things to keep the kids occupied

Place the box in the trunk of your car.

4. Protect your electronics

“Electronic components can develop condensation as the temperature decreases,” according to the experts at Bekins. “This condensation can cause water damage or even short circuiting,” they caution.

Think “insulation” when considering how to protect your electronics. First, wrap each item in bubble wrap, then in a blanket. Place each item in a bubble-wrapped box and seal it tightly. Then, wrap the box in either bubble wrap or a moving blanket.

5. Use extra care when moving appliances

As soon as you move in, you’ll be tempted to get the washing machine and dryer set up, but don’t give in to the temptation.

Appliance manufacturers say that washers need to sit for at least 12 hours. This is to ensure that any traces of water that remained in them while moving hasn’t turned to ice, which could damage the appliance.

And, yes, the dryer needs to come to room temperature as well. Otherwise, the igniter and heating element may become brittle.

Sudden changes in temperature can also be lethal to your electronics, so unwrap them and allow them to sit for a while.